Timelinks to offer Zigguarat - a unique pyramid shaped self sustained community
Friday, October 03, 2008
The Dubai-based property developer Timelinks, also a pioneering environmental design company, is all set to tackle issues such as population growth in Gulf Cities, and issues such as infrastructure pressure and environment carbon neutral solutions, through its proposed eco-city, the Zigguarat project, hoped to cater to a population of one million by harnessing power of nature.
The unique pyramid-shaped city could support an entire community by employing a car-less environment with a transport system powered by solar energy, wind and steam. The carbon emissions within the city is hoped to be reduced by 90 percent.
Timelinks will employ natural renewable energy resources of solar, wind and steam making it completely self-sustainable. The building will have water channels, parks and lakes with climate zones that make it cooler at higher elevations.
The project unveils a whole load of benefits. The whole cities in the project can be accommodated in complexes which would occupy only less than 10 percent of original land surface. The private and public landscaping will be utilized for leisure pursuits or as agricultural land for irrigation.
The concept also promises better quality of life for its inhabitants. Biometrics would provide security with facial recognition technology.
The concept also promises better quality of life for its inhabitants. Biometrics would provide security with facial recognition technology.
Zigguarat will take a new path towards harmonizing architecture and technology without affecting the environment, while also catering to needs of every individual.
The Zigguarat project will be unveiled during the forthcoming Cityscape Dubai 2008 due to be held at the Dubai International Exhibition Center between the 6th and 9th October 2008.
Timelinks has already patented the technology and design incorporated in the project, and has sought for granting of technical projects from the European Union. Several eminent professors from Europe will explain the technicalities of how the Zigguarat project works and how these communities could be integrated in master projects.
Labels: Cityscape, Community, Environment-friendly
Mohammed bin Rashid Gardens likely to have water as its lifeblood
Friday, September 05, 2008
The Mohammed bin Rashid Gardens, expected to be one of the most ambitious urban projects in the world, is likely to accommodate more than a quarter of a million people with a system known for its parks, waterways and gardens, which represent the largest formal urban masterplan in the Southern Gulf. This fact has been revealed by CivicArts, the architectural firm for Mohammed bin Rashid Gardens.
With a construction cost worth more than $60bn, the logistics of manually building such an immense development such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Gardens are matched by the monumental scale of water management required to transform the desert into lush oasis.
The masterplan weaves water into the social fabric of 21st century city, where the interests of recreation, transportation and environment will all go hand in hand.
Designed by Eric Kuhne, the masterplan of the new city was unveiled by H.H.Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which includes provision for education, homes, commercial and financial facilities, apart from tourist landscapes, civic buildings and more.
"Water will be the lifeblood of the new city, pumped through a network of pools, canals and waterways, creating a waterfront which will be unrivalled in the Middle East," said Kuhne.
The canal system will be navigable and will support life on many levels, offering wildlife habitats numerous opportunities for recreation and leisure. With about 150km of waterfront and wetlands, the Central Union Canal will give the ecosystem of the city, the capacity to support a range of living creatures on scale unprecedented in the Middle East.
The lakes, waterways, canals, retention and detention ponds will all together form a perfect habitat for procreation and protection of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.
The masterplan also permits a variety of waterway edges, including keystone walls with integrated plants, stepped terraces that offer upper-level dining, apart from the mid-level cycle paths, lower-level walkways and gabion walls all planted with aquatic plants set with boulders to create natural informal character. The beach and detention ponds allow easy access to canal, which will facilitate the provision of public beaches and informal lawn areas.
The water channels, pools and fountains are the organizing elements of the wide gardens, with unique Arabian pattern of parkways and canals which has drawn inspiration from astrolabes, which when once charted the heavens will now become symbols of geometry for this new city.
The main aspect of the design is the Grand Canal, which will find its way through the Dubai Creek and Business Bay through the astrolabe pattern to the heart of Mohammed bin Rashid Gardens, before returning to the Gulf. The design implies that residents, workers and visitors to the new city will never be far from gardens or water, and the circling canals, culminating in dramatic, Grand Central Fountain will be a unifying aspect.
The water and power strategies will be supported by low water usage and energy-efficient buildings. The building control systems, together with water and energy-efficient fittings will minimize demand. Well-designed facades will maximize the use of natural light and buildings, and integrate solar technologies to supply hot water and local cooling for residences that are not connected to the city-wide district cooling networks.
The design of the city will include and unprecedented level of water recycling. Sophisticated water treatment will bring in non-potable water supply which will reduce potable water demand and effluent stream will meet irrigation needs. The greening of the city with canals, parks and ponds will draw attention of migratory birds, enhancing local and global biodiversity. Planting will create cool corridors for walking and riding.
Social BookmarkingWith a construction cost worth more than $60bn, the logistics of manually building such an immense development such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Gardens are matched by the monumental scale of water management required to transform the desert into lush oasis.
The masterplan weaves water into the social fabric of 21st century city, where the interests of recreation, transportation and environment will all go hand in hand.
Designed by Eric Kuhne, the masterplan of the new city was unveiled by H.H.Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which includes provision for education, homes, commercial and financial facilities, apart from tourist landscapes, civic buildings and more.
"Water will be the lifeblood of the new city, pumped through a network of pools, canals and waterways, creating a waterfront which will be unrivalled in the Middle East," said Kuhne.
The canal system will be navigable and will support life on many levels, offering wildlife habitats numerous opportunities for recreation and leisure. With about 150km of waterfront and wetlands, the Central Union Canal will give the ecosystem of the city, the capacity to support a range of living creatures on scale unprecedented in the Middle East.
The lakes, waterways, canals, retention and detention ponds will all together form a perfect habitat for procreation and protection of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.
The masterplan also permits a variety of waterway edges, including keystone walls with integrated plants, stepped terraces that offer upper-level dining, apart from the mid-level cycle paths, lower-level walkways and gabion walls all planted with aquatic plants set with boulders to create natural informal character. The beach and detention ponds allow easy access to canal, which will facilitate the provision of public beaches and informal lawn areas.
The water channels, pools and fountains are the organizing elements of the wide gardens, with unique Arabian pattern of parkways and canals which has drawn inspiration from astrolabes, which when once charted the heavens will now become symbols of geometry for this new city.
The main aspect of the design is the Grand Canal, which will find its way through the Dubai Creek and Business Bay through the astrolabe pattern to the heart of Mohammed bin Rashid Gardens, before returning to the Gulf. The design implies that residents, workers and visitors to the new city will never be far from gardens or water, and the circling canals, culminating in dramatic, Grand Central Fountain will be a unifying aspect.
The water and power strategies will be supported by low water usage and energy-efficient buildings. The building control systems, together with water and energy-efficient fittings will minimize demand. Well-designed facades will maximize the use of natural light and buildings, and integrate solar technologies to supply hot water and local cooling for residences that are not connected to the city-wide district cooling networks.
The design of the city will include and unprecedented level of water recycling. Sophisticated water treatment will bring in non-potable water supply which will reduce potable water demand and effluent stream will meet irrigation needs. The greening of the city with canals, parks and ponds will draw attention of migratory birds, enhancing local and global biodiversity. Planting will create cool corridors for walking and riding.
Labels: Dubai City, Environment-friendly
Timelinks to unveil a new pyramid-shaped project at Cityscape Dubai
Friday, August 22, 2008
Timelinks, the Dubai-based environmental design company, will launch a city of the future, during the upcoming Cityscape Dubai.
The event will be held between the 6th and 9th October at the Dubai International Exhibition Center.
The City, called Ziggurat project, will be shaped in the form of a futuristic pyramid, supporting the entire community, comprising a population of one million, by harnessing the power of nature.
The Managing Director of Timelinks, Ridas Matonis, agrees that Ziggurat communities can be 100 percent self-sufficient in terms of energy. Apart from utilizing the steam power, the building will also employ the wind turbine technology, to exploit natural energy resources.
The Pyramid tower which spreads across 2.3 square kilometer has several other advantages to its credit. The cities can be accommodated in complexes, which will take up only less than 10 percent of the original land space. The private and public landscaping can be used for leisure pursuits or can be irrigated as agricultural land.
"In case these projects were realized, the world will get to witness communities that are sustainable, environment-friendly and in sync with nature's surroundings. The concept will also give a better quality of life for inhabitants. Transportation within the complex will be carried out through an integrated 360 degree network, so that cars would be redundant," said Matonis.
Timelinks has already planned the design and technology to be incorporated into the project. A number of eminent professors from Europe will be available to explain the technicalities of the Ziggurat project works, and the manner in which these communities could be integrated into the master projects.
Labels: Cityscape, Environment-friendly, Real Estate Projects
Dubai Pearl - a truly self-contained green community
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Dubai Pearl, the luxurious self-contained community for super-wealthy, which incorporates cutting-edge technology, scheduled for completion in 2010, displayed its brand recently in a glitzy Paris hotel, with roomful of wealthy developers, architects, investors, and businessmen. However, it is also a part of the growing trend in Dubai, where community meets sustainable planning.
H.H. Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, in 2007, issued a directive for developers and builders to abide by the international green building standards, as a part of Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, to ensure Dubai remains a healthy and environment-friendly city.
The Chairman of Pearl Dubai LLC, Fahim, said that Dubai Pearl is all about sustainability, focusing on people and communities.
The Founder of Emirates Green Building Council, Sadek Owainti, is an advocate of this directive, who feels that the importance of sustainability is unavoidable in UAE. It is the core of living to maintain resources for future generations. Although, it is a slow beginning, as far as governmental support is concerned, UAE is ahead of Middle East.
The three major elements that need to be taken into account when planning a sustainable development are the community, the environment and the economy. A balance has to be attained between all three aspects. There was a massive rush for green ideals during the 60s and 70s, but it really never happened, as only few factors that were taken into account. Without inclusion of a business element into the equation, the development can never be completely sustainable.
A major aspect of sustainability is to see how best a community can be preserved by way of job opportunities, creating an environment where people will be happy. They do not have to drive around, as everything at Dubai pearl will be available at a short walking distance. It is about laying emphasis on creation of healthy living environment, Fahim said.
Self-contained community is great way for business-oriented developments to get their good remarks while also keeping the luxury elements intact. Fahim is keen to emphasize on the importance of the business hub of Dubai Pearl to its growth as sustainable development.
Although Dubai Pearl has not gone to extent of other developments like the zero-carbon Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, which is the most widely acknowledged among sustainable developments, it strikes a complementary balance with the best on offer.
Although Dubai Pearl has not gone to extent of other developments like the zero-carbon Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, which is the most widely acknowledged among sustainable developments, it strikes a complementary balance with the best on offer.
Dubai Pearl is now working with consultants to achieve gold level LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification in sustainability. Being an earnest advocate of recycling, the positioning of the Dubai Pearl building is such that it can utilize maximum sunlight for energy conservation.
Labels: Community, Environment-friendly
ETA unveils VERDE Residences and Offices at Dubai Maritime City
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
The leading UAE property developer, ETA Star Properties, have announced the launch of VERDE Residences and Offices in Dubai Maritime City.
Comprising two towers, VERDE Residences and Offices are designed to earn Gold ratings in accordance with the US Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) programme.
Located in Dubai Maritime City, near Port Rashid in Dubai, VERDE Towers are designed by renowned architects Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill. The towers are so designed that they utilize the natural forces of light, wind and geothermal mass and recyclable construction materials, along with maximum use of other energy-efficient systems and technologies.
The entire project includes two towers - residential and commercial. The 33 storey curtain-glazed VERDE office tower is trapezoidal in shape, covering a built-up area of 820,000 square feet. It features podium offices and a unique sky garden.
The 48 storey glass tower, VERDE residential tower, is boat-shaped, covering a built-up area of 1.35mn square feet. It is inclusive of double and triple bedroom units, apart from penthouses and four bedroom duplex townhouses on podium liner.
ETA Star has already built several beautiful homes and living communities apart from world-class business and commercial developments across the region. Due to this excellent track record of ETA, the regional banks have developed confidence in ETA Star Properties and a strong credibility has been established with the leading financial institutions in the region.
ETA is currently developing several million square feet of premium properties in several Middle East and South-East Asian countries such as UAE, India, Qatar, Turkey, Oman and Sri Lanka.
Labels: Business Tower, Environment-friendly, ETA-Star
Middle East retail property developers urged to go 'green'
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The organizers of Retail City 2008 in Dubai, have urged property developers in Middle East to adhere to the emerging global trend of building 'green' malls, which is something that cannot be ignored.
The fast-paced Arabian Gulf economies have been developing ambitious retail infrastructure projects. The 'Retail City 2008' expected to take place between 1st and 3rd June 2008 at the Dubai International Exhibition Center, will witness a gathering of investors, global retailers, shopping center developers, shopping center management, franchise networks, architects and regional authorities all under a single roof, to focus on all aspects of retail development cycle.
The Project Manager of Retail City 2008, Naomi Koningen, has said that the Middle East retail sector currently exceeds $100bn in value annually, and is second to the residential property sector in the non-oil economy. Hence, it is vital that this huge economic sector takes into account the impact that it bears on the environment and the need for sustainability in design and construction of malls and stores.
Social BookmarkingThe fast-paced Arabian Gulf economies have been developing ambitious retail infrastructure projects. The 'Retail City 2008' expected to take place between 1st and 3rd June 2008 at the Dubai International Exhibition Center, will witness a gathering of investors, global retailers, shopping center developers, shopping center management, franchise networks, architects and regional authorities all under a single roof, to focus on all aspects of retail development cycle.
The Project Manager of Retail City 2008, Naomi Koningen, has said that the Middle East retail sector currently exceeds $100bn in value annually, and is second to the residential property sector in the non-oil economy. Hence, it is vital that this huge economic sector takes into account the impact that it bears on the environment and the need for sustainability in design and construction of malls and stores.
Labels: Environment-friendly, Middle-East, Property-show
Dh.200bn The Mohammad Bin Rashid Gardens Project to keep up Green motive
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Dubai has embarked upon a massive green initiative, costing about Dh.200bn, spreading across 880mn square feet of land, aimed towards preserving and protecting the environment.
The Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, launched the project, named 'The Mohammad Bin Rashid Gardens Project' on Friday.
The project comprises four clusters with 73 percent greenery, implemented by Dubai Properties, a member of Dubai Holding.
A model of the project has already been shown to Shaikh Mohammad during the launch on Friday.
The event saw the participation of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum - the Dubai Crown Prince, Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum -Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi - Cabinet Affairs Minister, and Lt. Gen. Mussabah Rashid Al Fattan - Head of Shaikh Mohammad's office.
The CEO of Dubai Holding, Al Gergawi, said the project, with its green environment-friendly buildings, restricts power usage and protects against wastage of natural resources, aiming to meet Shaikh Mohammad's concern over health and welfare of future generations.
The Project is divided into four sections - the 'House of Wisdom' which includes translation houses, Knowledge Gardens, international universities, international organizations, history and science colleges, and Shaikh Mohammad’s Mosque.
Secondly the 'House of Humanity' will include the House of Giving, Museum of Light, Mohammad Bin Rashid Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, Human Civilization Museum and charities.
Thirdly, 'House of Nature' project will be the main cluster of the project, which includes international themed gardens, hotels, recreational clubs, a huge zoo, flower gardens, apart from alternative medical and herbal clinics.
Finally, 'House of Commerce' will comprise higher educational institutes in Banking and Finance, Insurance Companies, Large International Company's branches and Islamic and International Banks.
Social BookmarkingThe Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, launched the project, named 'The Mohammad Bin Rashid Gardens Project' on Friday.
The project comprises four clusters with 73 percent greenery, implemented by Dubai Properties, a member of Dubai Holding.
A model of the project has already been shown to Shaikh Mohammad during the launch on Friday.
The event saw the participation of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum - the Dubai Crown Prince, Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum -Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi - Cabinet Affairs Minister, and Lt. Gen. Mussabah Rashid Al Fattan - Head of Shaikh Mohammad's office.
The CEO of Dubai Holding, Al Gergawi, said the project, with its green environment-friendly buildings, restricts power usage and protects against wastage of natural resources, aiming to meet Shaikh Mohammad's concern over health and welfare of future generations.
The Project is divided into four sections - the 'House of Wisdom' which includes translation houses, Knowledge Gardens, international universities, international organizations, history and science colleges, and Shaikh Mohammad’s Mosque.
Secondly the 'House of Humanity' will include the House of Giving, Museum of Light, Mohammad Bin Rashid Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, Human Civilization Museum and charities.
Thirdly, 'House of Nature' project will be the main cluster of the project, which includes international themed gardens, hotels, recreational clubs, a huge zoo, flower gardens, apart from alternative medical and herbal clinics.
Finally, 'House of Commerce' will comprise higher educational institutes in Banking and Finance, Insurance Companies, Large International Company's branches and Islamic and International Banks.
Labels: Dubai City, Environment-friendly, Latest News
Masdar City - the 'no-carbon' urban district
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Masdar, the State-controlled Abu Dhabi Future Energy, has announced it would cost $22billion to develop a "no-carbon" urban district, which it plans in the UAE.
The Masdar City, located on the edge of Abu Dhabi, will house 50,000 people and 1500 businesses on completion, although no cars will be allowed.
The Masdar CEO, Sultan Al-Jaber, when speaking on the occasion of ground-breaking ceremony, told to the press, that Abu Dhabi, being the world's fifth largest oil exporter, will invest $4billion of equity in the project, and borrow some of the rest.
He added, that the company plans to monetize all carbon emission reductions, and such an innovative financing has never been applied on the scale of entire city. The license to emit the carbon, which Masdar City will not produce, will be sold, and the money will be utilized to fund the development.
Masdar City will be built in seven phases, including educational and research institutes, laboratories and production facilities for new advanced energy products. Masdar City will require a quarter of the typical power-generating capacity, needed for a small-size community. The water needs of the city will be 60% lesser, said the company.
Social BookmarkingThe Masdar City, located on the edge of Abu Dhabi, will house 50,000 people and 1500 businesses on completion, although no cars will be allowed.
The Masdar CEO, Sultan Al-Jaber, when speaking on the occasion of ground-breaking ceremony, told to the press, that Abu Dhabi, being the world's fifth largest oil exporter, will invest $4billion of equity in the project, and borrow some of the rest.
He added, that the company plans to monetize all carbon emission reductions, and such an innovative financing has never been applied on the scale of entire city. The license to emit the carbon, which Masdar City will not produce, will be sold, and the money will be utilized to fund the development.
Masdar City will be built in seven phases, including educational and research institutes, laboratories and production facilities for new advanced energy products. Masdar City will require a quarter of the typical power-generating capacity, needed for a small-size community. The water needs of the city will be 60% lesser, said the company.
Labels: Environment-friendly, Masdar-city
